Whether you’re buying a ticket for the next Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot, or just playing for the fun of it, you have to admit that the odds of winning are mind-bogglingly low. You’re far more likely to be struck by lightning or die in a car crash than you are to win the lottery. And even if you buy multiple tickets and increase your chances of winning by a factor of two, it’s still extremely unlikely.

Unless you find a way to cheat the system, there’s no way to increase your chances of hitting the lottery’s big jackpot. However, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of winning a smaller prize. One strategy is to bring in investors to create a syndicate. This can make your investment more profitable, but it’s important to ensure that you have watertight agreements in place. Another option is to simply play in multiple states and try your luck in each one. This can help to increase your chances of winning, but you should also be aware that the jackpots will be lower than in a single state.

Despite the dismal odds, it’s still possible to become a jackpot lottery winner. If you do, there are a few decisions that need to be made, including how you’ll receive the winnings. Most lotteries offer winners a choice of a lump sum payout or an annuity payment that spreads payments out over 20 or 30 years (plus applicable taxes). Whichever you choose, it’s important to plan ahead for your future.